Music Style spiritually based atmospheric smooth jazz fusion

Musical Influences P. Metheny/L. Mays, A.C. Jobim, Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, Mark Isham, Liz Story, almost anything with alot of reverb

Similar Artists Pat Metheny Group, Yellowjackets, Mark Isham

Artist History Born April 18, 1957, Ray, a resident of Waynesville, NC, began playing piano when he was 6 years old and studied classical piano as a child and well into his teens. However, he was always more interested in improvising and composition and began playing jazz while in high school. He studied jazz piano at the University of Miami, and graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a B.F.A. in jazz arranging and composition. During his musical career, he has performed and/or recorded with several well known jazz musicians. He was a member of guitarist Randy Bernsen's Ocean Sound Band for several years, and performed on three of his albums along with such luminary jazz artists as Jaco Pastorius, Michael Brecker, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter. He has also performed with jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, Nestor Torres, Ira Sullivan, and Ed Calle, among others. Ray has also been very active as a recording engineer and producer since 1980 and has operated his own recording studio, Balsam Pillow, since 1992. Over the years, Ray has recorded, mastered, and/or produced projects for CCM artist Erin O'Donnell, Grammy award nominated flutist Nestor Torres, world music artist Richard Brookens, pianist/composer Jackson Bunn, violinist Vicki Richards, Calvary Chapel of Ft. Lauderdale, pianist/composer Matt Johnson, and Warner Brothers Publications, among many others.At the heart of his musical aspirations, however, are his CD releases on his own label, Burning Blue Records. Ray's first release, "Farewell To Shadowlands" (1993), is loosely based on C.S. Lewis' epic allegory "The Chronicles Of Narnia" and alludes to the second coming of Christ and renewal of all things. Cinematic and evocative in scope, this project includes guest appearances by guitarist Randy Bernsen, hand drummer Robert Thomas, Jr., and two time Grammy award winner pop/latin vocalist Jon Secada. "Figures Of The True" (2000), was recorded and mixed by Ray over a five year period and brings Ray's composing, piano and synthesizer talents even more into the spotlight. The title, inspired by Christian missionary Amy Carmichael, is a saying she coined in one of the many devotional books she has written. A "figure of the true" is something seen in the creation that reflects a spiritual truth (Hebrews 9:24). The music is a collection of songs that reflects a truth regarding life?s experiences, the second coming of Christ, or the Divine Patterns behind the reality of all creation. Some of these truths include suffering, peace, searching, and joy. This project features guest appearances by Yellowjackets bassist Jimmy Haslip, drummer Jonathan Joseph (Al Jarreau, David Sanborn, Pat Metheny), and Blue Man group drummer Jeff Quay, among others."Both projects are quite different," Ray relates, "but the things they do have in common are the style being instrumental new age/jazz fusion, the emphasis on long story telling tunes, solo improvisation, textural and orchestral elements, and a spiritual theme that is inspired by the Bible." Stylistically, the music is very reminiscent of the Pat Metheny Group, Yellowjackets, and film composers such as Mark Isham. Ray adds, "I like to create atmospheres that bring people into the Presence, and to take them on a journey that will uplift and encourage them." Ray is currently working on a new project of scripturally based prayer and meditation music as well as a new project in the style of his earlier works.

Group Members "FAREWELL TO SHADOWLANDS" features guest appearances by Randy Bernsen (gtr), Jeff Quay (dr), Robert Thomas, Jr. (hand drums), Ed Maina (sax) and Jon Secada (vox) "FIGURES OF THE TRUE" features Jonathan Genck (dr), Matthew Genck (bass), Jimmy Haslip (bass), Carlos Jorge (perc), Jonathan Joseph (dr), Stephanie Lyon (fh), Ed Maina (sax), John Michalak (sax), Brad O'Donnell (bass), Archie Pena (dr), Jeff Quay (dr), David Schanzer (perc), and Dan Warner (gtr)

Instruments piano, synthesizers, recording studio engineer and producer

Albums Figures Of The True, Farewell To Shadowlands

Press Reviews FIGURES OF THE TRUE "...an awe inspiring collection of contemporary stylings which, though without words, speak volumes to the heart... for the contemporary jazz fan seeking inspiration, Ray's music is in a class by itself." -- Michael Canaan, WOGR, Charlotte, NC "Ray's music soars with energy... some of the best instrumental jazz we've ever heard." -- Keith Mohr, BrokenRecords.com FAREWELL TO SHADOWLANDS" ...a wonderfully rich sounding album... a thoughtful and evocative recording and something that those of you who like good film music will really enjoy." -- Jeff Johnson, Raven & Dove

Location Maggie Valley, NC - USA

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